The National Forum on Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE), held in Antananarivo from September 17 to 19, 2024, brought together local and international stakeholders to promote the structuring of SSE in Madagascar. The event, supported by the SEEED project led by the NGO People Power Inclusion- PPI and the Pact for Impact alliance (both part of Groupe SOS), highlighted the role of SSE in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in connection with the United Nations resolution adopted in 2023.

The SSE Forum in Madagascar: a turning point to structure SSE and address ecological and social challenges

The forum initiated a new momentum for the national movement of SSE actors, expected to lead to the adoption of a law dedicated to SSE. With organisations structured in a heterogeneous manner, this bill aims to develop a legal framework and tailored tools for cooperatives, associations, and social enterprises within SSE.

Madagascar positions itself as one of the first countries to follow the 2023 United Nations resolution, which recognizes SSE as a lever for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

During the Forum, the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Max Andonirina Fontaine, affirmed his commitment and pledged, before his departure, to make the official recognition of SSE a reality, being fully engaged alongside SSE actors for this.

Marie Christina Kolo, Regional Director of PPI-People Power Inclusion, shared her experience and discussed the challenges, particularly the inadequate tax system for social enterprises. She expressed hope that this forum would initiate dialogue with the government to improve these conditions.

SEEED Project: essential support for social entrepreneurship in Madagascar

The SEEED project (Support for the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Decent Employment), co-financed by the European Union, plays a central role in strengthening the SSE ecosystem in Madagascar. Led by the NGO People Power Inclusion- PPI, an entity within Groupe SOS, this project aims to support 20 Entrepreneurial Support Structures spread throughout the country, including incubators, accelerators, and pre-incubators. These Entrepreneurial Support Structures serve as pillars to help social entrepreneurs develop and sustain their initiatives.

The project focuses on the green and blue economy, which are key sectors for inclusive and sustainable development in Madagascar. It offers practical training on topics such as financial management, social marketing, and access to funding while organizing networking events to connect social entrepreneurs with potential investors.